Since the troupe’s inception 30 years ago, YAMATO Drummers have stunned the world with their visually striking Taiko drum adorned set ups and heart thumping rhythms, the company’s originator Masa Ogawa transporting the ancient Japanese performance form to the masses. The troupe’s next show stopping performance – The Wings of the Phoenix set to take to the Peacock Theatre stage from Tuesday 4th until Saturday 22nd June. Ahead of opening night, Masa tells us more about the show’s premise, why he’s excited to bring the show to London – one of the world’s greatest hubs for performance and entertainment and why you should attend the show!
Although Taiko drumming is synonymous with Japanese culture, the musical legacy is believed to have derived from both Korean and Chinese culture. Introduced to Japan in the 6th Century, Taiko drums have taken on various roles; whether it be for communicative, theatrical, religious and military. The drum’s sound is unrivalled; a visceral, earthy instrument that is powerful and engaging enough to take centre stage. The Yamato Drummers celebrate the instrument’s earthiness in their eponymous hit show.
Courtesy of Sadler’s Wells.